Sunday, March 21, 2010

Goodies…the Eating and Non-Eating Kind

I needed a break from all the house-related stress so Mr. Painted Quilt and I took to the roads again on Friday to check out a ‘new-to-me’ country/prim shop. Some people buy a new hat or go to the beauty shop to relieve stress but what works for me is a good old shopping spree. My friend Pat told me about Gunns Country Corner (no website) located near Watertown, NY, telephone number (315)658-2828.

What a shop!

I’m sorry that I never thought to bring my camera because for any of you who are into this type of decorating and are within a reasonable distance, it’s worth the drive. The shop is located in the ‘middle of nowhere’ but only 9 miles from Watertown. If you intend on making the trip, I would call the shop for directions and to check on their hours because they are currently on a winter schedule.

I spent about 45 minutes browsing through the shop while Mr. PQ took Mac for a walk. I could have bought one of everything but here’s what I took home with me.

After my mini shopping spree, we decided to drive the 9 miles to Watertown and do some grocery shopping at the Walmart Super Center. I specifically wanted to pick up some King Arthur flour after reading about a recipe for soda bread on Candace’s blog. A few days ago she wrote about a recipe for Irish American soda bread that she found on the King Arthur website and it looked so good that I knew I just had to make some.

So, while watching/listening to the Montreal vs Toronto hockey game last night, I decided to give it a whirl.

The aroma that wafted through the house while it was baking was devine.

Much to his chagrin, I told Mr. PQ that we’d have to wait until morning for it to cool and set before we could do the taste test.

Kaaren,I love your house and all that green glass!! Gorgeous!! I love shops like that. I was looking at a couple of antique scales at a GS yesterday but they wanted way too much, plus they had an old baby carriage that I have always wanted...the woven wicker kind with the old spoke wheels...so cute. I always spend a few minutes looking (savouring) your pictures on your header...lovely!! Thanks for sharing!Paulette

I'll meet Darlene at the airport! Hee!Hey...I love that scale and would love one so now I will be watchful for that. But I do have to comment on the curtain....I have that same fabric in my living area valances!!

Kaaren , I love your style of decorating and the treasures you picked up yesterday are perfect and fit in so well with everything you have .I sure would like to be closer to visit that shop ;-)The Irish soda bread looks interesting too, will have to check out that blog and give it a whirl.

Oooooo, the temptaion is so great, I can smell the bread from here - yummmm!How I wish we had such shops like your stress relief shop here in NZ. Sadly we don't and apart from importing all I can do is dream of owning such beautiful things.hugs, Miche'le

What a lucky girl, out shopping in my kind of store. The Irish soda bread looks yummy, I love it but have not tried to make it yet, guess I will have to check out the recipe. All your treasures are wonderful, I especially love the wool runner and shower curtain.

You have made some lovely purchases Kaaren...love them..that scale is so beautiful..well..everything excually...and that bread...coffee..baking...and fresh flowers are what helps a house smell good and feel cosy...and what a very cosy house you have..lovely pictures...thanks for sharing...greetings ♥ Francien.

Wow, Kaaren - your bread turned out fantastic! Is it gone already? Mr. Squash put good work to ours in no time at all. Now if I could just trade you for the antique scale! What wonderful goodies "escaped" into your cart as I like to say!Cheers!

I ♥ my friends

About Me

I am an artist and have recently retired from actively designing, publishing and travel teaching in the decorative painting industry. In December of 2010, we moved from Eastern Ontario to the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. Quilting, stitching, wool applique and rug hooking are just a few of my passions.
During the last 5 years I have released over 40 new and FREE designs here on my blog. Just scroll down and you'll find the links to all of my FREE patterns available in PDF format under the title First Friday Freebies and More First Friday Freebies. Click on them one at a time to download and print the photos, instructions and line drawings. Enjoy!